Employers praised for supporting people with learning disabilities

Aldingbourne Trust’s first employer ball proved to be shaken not stirred.

The Casino Royale event was organised by WorkAid Supported Employment, one of the trust’s services helping people across West Sussex.

Awards were presented to the SOLD charity shop in shoreham for volunteer support, Crawley Rugby Football Club for community support, International Logistics Group in Burgess Hill for equality and diversity, and Greenaway Residential in Crawley for Innovation.

Rachel Smither, manager of WorkAid, said: “This red carpet event was aimed at raising awareness of the skills of people with learning disabilities and autism and what they can bring to the workplace.”

Some of these skills were evident at the ball, with Andrew Pickthall as official photographer, DJ Jack Bruce and comedian Richard Maffahey.

An auction was held with donated prizes, including a Bentley for the weekend, Rod Stewart’s signed shoes and an England rugby shirt.

Exemplar employers, who work in partnership with WorkAid, showcased how they had been inspired to become ambassadors for the trust, promoting its work to other businesses and organisations.

An employer DVD was also launched, showing the benefits of recruiting individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Various international, national and local employers discussed their positive experiences working with WorkAid.